Prayer for Tuesday Morning.

Paul Gerhardt, 1648.
Tr. H. Brueckner, 1918.
Now under night's dark shadow
Rest woodland, field, and meadow,
The world in slumber lies.
But thou, my soul, awake thee,
To song and prayer betake thee,
Give praise to Him who rules the skies.
The sun's fair light hath vanished,
The night its rays hath banished,
The night, the foe of day.
'Tis well: my heart containeth
A sun whose light ne'er waneth,
Since Jesus there holds constant sway.
The reign of day is over,
And golden stars now cover
The canopy so blue.
Thus I shall shine in heaven,
Where golden crowns are given
To all who faithful stay and true.
My body is divested
Of garments that have rested
Upon its form of clay.
Thus I at heaven's portal
Shall lose all that is mortal
And with the Lord forever stay.
Head, feet, and hands are taking
Sweet rest from toil and waking,
Released from ev'ry pain.
O heart of mine, why borrow
The troubles of tomorrow?
Thou rest from sin and woe shalt gain.
Ye members weak and tired,
By joy no more inspired,
Betake yourselves to bed.
The time and hour for sleeping
In God's own faithful keeping
Will come when you are cold and dead.
My tired eyes are closing,
And while I am reposing,
Where doth my soul remain?
To Thee be it commended
Until the night is ended,
Let me Thy gracious favor gain.
Lord Jesus, who dost love me,
Spread both Thy wings above me,
Thus shielding me from harm.
If Satan should draw near me,
Let angels come to cheer me
And so the wily foe disarm.
My loved ones, rest securely,
Since God will guard you surely
From pain and perils sore.
May you in safety slumber,
While angels without number
Attend you now and evermore.

Blessed be God, the maker of heaven and earth, blessed be the Lord, who only doeth wondrous things, and blessed be His glorious name for ever who hath made both day and night through His glorious wisdom, and so ruled, that while the earth remaineth, they shall not cease, that man may rest by night, and proceed again to his labors by day. O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches. For such Thy gifts we should thank Thee ere the sun rises, and come into Thy presence when the light breaks forth. Therefore I bless Thee now also, for Thou hast suffered me securely to rest and sleep this night, and again awakened me to the joy of living. Thou hast mercifully sheltered me from the assaults and malice of enemies. I supplicate Thy grace: grant that my soul may repose in Thy hands, my body continue in health according to Thy good pleasure, and be kept from all injury and peril. Be Thou my mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and my cover from the sun at noon, my preservation from stumbling, and my help from falling, that no harm may come unto me. O Merciful God, knowing the hour is come to awaken out of the sleep of sin and iniquity, for now is our salvation so near, the night is far spent, the day is at hand: so help us to cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, that we may walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but putting on the Lord Jesus Christ in the true faith and a Christian conduct. Thus awaken us each morning. Open Thou my ears that I may hear Thy holy Word with a believing heart and keep the same in my memory. Let my ears incline to the entreaties and prayers of the needy, not to forsake them in their distress. And when in my distress I cry unto Thee, hear Thou the voice of my supplications, and despise not my sighings in the hour of death. Let my prayers come before Thee early. Incline Thine ears to my entreaties. Satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Amen.